Category: Stock Market

It is not an uncommon event for the ASX stock market to welcome new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to its boards. Heck, one seems to make its public markets debut every other month. This April is no different, with Australian investors, as of today, having three new choices to pick between if they are on the hunt for their next ASX ETF.

Earlier this week, my Fool colleague heralded the launch of these three new funds in question. They are all from ETF provider VanEck.

VanEck is a well-known name amongst the ETF investor community. Some of this provider’s most popular offerings include the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT), the VanEck International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL), and the VanEck Australian Equal Weight ETF (ASX: MVW).

Today, these products have three new stablemates.

They are:

• VanEck Core+ Diversified Balanced Active ETF (ASX: VBAL)
• VanEck Core+ Diversified Growth Active ETF (ASX: VGRO)
• VanEck Core+ Diversified High Growth Active ETF (ASX: VHGR)

What’s new with these ASX ETFs?

As you might guess, all three of these new ETFs are in a family. All three offer investors a diversified portfolio of underlying ETFs – a ‘ETF of ETFs’ model that has grown in popularity in recent years. The underlying ETFs are all VanEck products too, and aim to give investors a specific exposure to different asset classes, depending on their desired risk level.

To illustrate, both the VanEck Core+ Diversified Balanced Active ETF and the VanEck Core+ Diversified High Growth Active ETF both hold stakes in the Australian Equal Weight ETF we touched on earlier.

VBAL’s portfolio allocates about 17% of its portfolio to this ETF, while the higher-growth VHGR product ramps this up to about 35%. In lieu of additional exposure to ASX shares, VBAL instead opts to employ a higher use of bonds and fixed-interest investments to reduce its risk level to investors.

So VanEck is clearly trying to offer something for everyone here. It’s a similar product offering to that of VanEck’s fellow ETF providers like BetaShares and Vanguard. These two providers also offer ‘ETFs of ETFs’. They include the BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) and the Vanguard Diversified Conservative Index ETF (ASX: VDCO).

All three of these new VanEck ETFs floated at $20 a unit today. At the time of writing, all three have taken a slight dip, reflecting today’s market-wide drop, no doubt. Let’s see how these funds fare going forward.

VBAL, VGRO, and VHGR all charge management fees of 0.39% per annum. That’s $39 per year for every $10,000 invested.

The post These 3 ASX ETFs just hit the Australian stock market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold in April
• Is there still opportunity in ASX media shares?
• This ASX gold stock could charge more than 70% higher: Broker
• 5 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week
• What’s making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year?

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In recent years, ASX media shares have faced significant volatility. Investor sentiment has soured as structural disruption, declining audience numbers, and unstable advertising revenue impact the sector.

But is the sector a write-off, or is there still opportunity for investors?

What’s happening in the sector?

Advertising revenue has become increasingly unstable across the sector. Advertising is often one of the first budgets to be cut in challenging business climates. So, with the current economic uncertainty and rising interest rates, it’s a difficult time to rely on these revenue streams.

In addition, businesses are pivoting away from traditional advertising formats towards user-generated content and influencer collaborations.

While there is some hope of a recovery in advertising spend later in the year, we’re not likely to ever see a return to the golden age of media. So, the focus has to shift to more future-proofed income streams. For the big players, this requires them to think less like complex media businesses and more like streamlined content platforms, data houses, and subscription services.

Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Ltd (ASX: NEC): The Diversification Play

Nine’s diversified revenue streams include broadcasting (Nine Network), streaming (Stan), newspapers (AFR, SMH, The Age), and digital outdoor advertising, with the recent acquisition of QMS Media.

This diversification gives it less reliance on advertising revenue alone, so investing in Nine isn’t a total turnaround play that involves simply betting on advertising recovery. But it isn’t a compelling digital growth story either — at least not yet.

It is, however, well positioned to benefit from a simple stabilisation of advertising spend, as its diversification means it won’t rely on a full rebound.

Some analysts are assigning a moderate buy rating to the entertainment share, which closed at $0.95 on Wednesday, down from a 52-week high of $1.90.

For me, Nine presents a lower risk than many other ASX media shares. But it also offers the least potential reward, in my opinion. If a full recovery of advertising spend does eventuate, it doesn’t stand to benefit to the same degree as some of its competitors, but it does offer some downside protection in its diversification.

News Corporation (ASX: NWS): The Asset-Backed Play

While advertising remains an important revenue stream for this media giant, it is not the core driver of investor value for News Corp. Its portfolio includes a stable of newspapers, subscription services (Foxtel), marketplaces (a majority stake in REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA)), and book publishing (Harper Collins).

Of course, like all media players, News Corp’s traditional media operations face significant headwinds as print continues its structural weakening. And its subscriptions don’t seem to be growing at a pace that can offset a continued decline in advertising revenue.

That said, its diversified portfolio provides News Corp with insulation against dips in advertising revenue cycles and significant asset backing. REA Group gives it exposure to Australia’s buoyant, if temporarily softened, property market, while Harper Collins offers a solid, cash-generating performer.

The News Corp share price is down by about 14% over the last 12 months, and some analysts consider it a buy at the current price. In my opinion, News Corp represents the most defensive option of the ASX media shares, as an asset-heavy media business with a strong balance sheet and limited potential upside.

Southern Cross Media Group Ltd (ASX: SXL): The Higher Risk/Reward Play

Southern Cross Media Group is probably the most exposed to advertising revenue among these ASX media shares, so its share price may be more reliant on an advertising bounce-back.  

In H1 2026, its first results following its merger with Seven West Media, saw a 1.5% revenue drop and 16.5% drop in net profit after tax as the advertising crunch began to bite. The share price has dropped around 9% over the last year, closing at $0.61 on Wednesday, up from a 52-week low of $0.52.

However, the merger has created a multi-platform media opportunity, including radio (SCA, Triple M), television (Channel 7), newspapers (The West Australian), and digital publishing (LiSTNR). And this should give it broad appeal for advertisers as it is now able to reach around 95% of Australians. So, if we see advertising bounce back later in the year, there may be a reward for patient investors. 

It’s almost definitely a higher risk play. But at the current share price, it could offer decent upside. For me, it is the one with the most opportunity for growth, if, of course, you believe an advertising recovery is on the cards.

The post Is there still opportunity in ASX media shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday
• How much would I need to invest in ASX shares to earn $1,000 in passive income every month?
• After a big acquisition what are Nine Entertainment shares worth?

Motley Fool contributor Melissa Maddison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nine Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM) impressed shareholders this week, with its third-quarter report showing its cash pile has grown to more than half a billion dollars on the back of steady gold production.

The analysts at Canaccord Genuity took the opportunity to run the ruler over Capricorn’s results in the wake of their release, and have a buy recommendation on the stock and a bullish price target, which we’ll get to shortly.

Firstly, let’s have a look at what the company announced.

Gold production steady

Capricorn said its Karlawinda Gold Project generated 30,358 ounces of gold at an all-in sustaining cost of $1617 per ounce.

Production was marginally down on the 30,476 ounces in the second quarter, but the costs were a slight improvement.

The company said it was on track to hit the upper end of its guidance of 115,000 to 125,000 ounces of gold for the full year.

Capricorn had $507.6 million in cash and gold on hand at the end of the quarter, up from $457.4 million in the second quarter, and the company declared a fully-franked dividend of 5 cents per share during the quarter.

The company said it was a strong quarter operationally, and added:

The sustained post expansion mining run rate allowed Capricorn to deliver the planned quarterly gold production whilst also achieving the development requirements of the Karlawinda Expansion Project (KEP). Mining production rates have stabilised at the expanded run rate for the KEP over the full year, with first ore delivered to KEP Run of Mine 2 during the quarter.

Capricorn said the expansion project was expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of FY27.

The company added:

On completion of the KEP the accelerated mining rates which have been required for the last 12 months will be reflected in a gold production rate increasing from around 120,000 ounces per annum to around 150,000 ounces per annum. Capricorn looks forward to the completion of this exciting project and the optimisation of mining to the increased production run rate that will be reflected in detailed FY27 production and cost (AISC and growth capital) guidance.

Shares looking cheap

Canaccord said in its note to clients that the company also released drilling results from the Lexington underground prospect, with all seven holes reported striking mineralisation.

They said another 10,000m of drilling was planned in the June quarter, “to support a maiden inferred underground Resource for Lexington”.

Canaccord has a price target of $19.85 on Capricorn shares, which would be a 72.3% return if achieved.

Capricorn is valued at $5.39 billion.

The post This ASX gold stock could charge more than 70% higher: Broker appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is this ASX gold stock charging higher on dividend news?
• Capricorn Metals reports record cash flow and first dividend in March 2026 quarter
• Which ASX 200 stock is falling despite big news
• Capricorn Metals reports Mt Gibson gold results
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares are 0.5% lower during the market’s eighth consecutive session in the red today.

Investors are pessimistic, with no end to the Iran war and global fuel crisis in sight.

Meanwhile, some ASX shares have attracted upgraded ratings from the experts this week.

Let’s take a look.

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is $1.19, up 1.3% today.

Over the past month, this ASX energy share has fallen 9%.

Canaccord Genuity upgraded Beach Energy shares to a buy rating yesterday.

The broker upped its 12-month price target from $1.35 to $1.43.

This implies 21% potential capital growth ahead.

Judo Capital Holdings Ltd (ASX: JDO)

The Judo share price is steady at $1.43 on Thursday.

Over the past month, this ASX bank share has risen 5.7%.

Morgans upgraded Judo shares from accumulate to buy with a $2.09 target this week.

This price target suggests 46% capital growth over the next year.

The upgraded rating following Judo’s 3Q FY26 trading update.

Judo reaffirmed its FY26 earnings guidance, albeit at the bottom of the range.

Morgans commented:

We view JDO’s recent share price weakness as a buying opportunity for a stock with high growth potential, increasing the margin of safety for the investment.

Upgrade from ACCUMULATE to BUY. Potential TSR at current prices is c.49%.

Amcor CDI (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price is $53.26, down 1.8% today.

Over the past month, this ASX materials share has fallen 5.4%.

Ord Minnett upgraded Amcor shares from accumulate to buy yesterday.

However, the broker shaved its 12-month price target from $70 to $66.

This still implies a potential near-25% upside ahead.

In a note, the broker said:

We raise our recommendation to Buy from Accumulate on valuation grounds, however, viewing current share price levels as fully discounting the earnings and cash flow risks facing the company.

Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR)

The Stanmore Resources share price is $2.27, up 0.4% today.

Over the past month, this ASX coal share has fallen 17%.

Morgans upgraded Stanmore Resources shares to a buy rating this week.

However, the broker lowered its 12-month price target from $2.95 to $2.80.

This still implies a healthy potential 23% upside ahead.

A soft opening to FY26 saw two of three headline metrics narrowly miss consensus, though without material impact.

FY26 production guidance is unchanged and the year remains back-end weighted.

FOB cash cost guidance increased to US$98-103/t from US$93-97/t due to inflationary pressures on fuel costs.

Following recent share price weakness, we upgrade our recommendation to BUY (previously HOLD).

JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH)

The JB Hi-Fi share price is $77.38, down 0.1% today.

Over the past month, this ASX retail share has lifted 6.9%.

Morgans upgraded JB Hi-Fi shares to a buy rating this week.

The broker cut its share price target from $87 to $83.50, implying a potential 8% upside ahead.

The post 5 ASX shares scoring upgraded ratings this week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• What is Morgans saying about Stanmore Resources and Suncorp shares after results?
• 3 star ASX dividend income stocks for the rest of 2026
• Macquarie names 3 ASX shares to buy
• ASX 300 coal stock lifting off today on production rebound
• Stanmore Resources: Coal output recovers in March quarter

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Amcor Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

ASX 200 healthcare shares have tumbled 39% in a year, with several sector giants trading around multi-year lows today.

This makes healthcare the worst performer of the 11 market sectors over the past 12 months.

It’s even worse than technology, which is down 26% on fears that artificial intelligence (AI) is an existential threat to the sector.

However, while technology is turning around, healthcare remains in the doldrums.

The S&P/ASX 200 Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) hit a six-year low of 25,193 points today.

What’s going on?

Expert explains multiple headwinds hitting healthcare

Samy Sriram, a market analyst at online investment platform, Stake, says there are multiple reasons for healthcare’s downward spiral.

First of all, there are currency headwinds and the likelihood of further interest rate rises in Australia.

Sriram said:

A weaker US dollar is eroding the offshore profits of giants like CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), which accounts for 45% of the index.

At the same time, the RBA’s decision to keep interest rates high to fight inflation is weighing heavily on the valuations of growth stocks like Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME).

The Australian dollar is currently at a four-year high of 71.3 US cents, up 12% over 12 months.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank has already raised interest rates twice this year, and the market is pricing in a 76% chance of another hike next Tuesday.

Cost-of-living pressures force patients to compromise

Sriram also says cost-of-living pressures are impacting healthcare companies, not only in Australia, but also overseas.

She commented:

… persistent cost of living pressures in the US are alarmingly turning some medical procedures into optional expenses.

We’ve seen this with Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH), an Australian company that manufactures and supplies hearing aids.

Their shares tumbled 35% due to patients deferring implants.

Last week, Cochlear downgraded its FY26 earnings guidance substantially.

The company now expects an FY26 underlying net profit of $290 million to $300 million, down from $435 million to $460 million.

Management commented:

Consumer sentiment has declined in key markets, reaching historic lows in the US.

The decline appears to be affecting discretionary healthcare decisions in the adults and seniors segment, adding to demand uncertainty in the near term.  

In Australia, consumer sentiment experienced its biggest fall in five years this month.

Iran war’s impact on healthcare

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of a global recession as the fuel crisis drags on, with no end to the war in sight.

A recession would further erode consumer confidence due to inevitable job losses.

For now, Sriram said the war in Iran was hitting healthcare through higher shipping costs.

She commented:

With hospital operators like Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) already being squeezed by rising staff wages and capped insurance payouts, geopolitical volatility is putting extra strain on the books, despite having a turnaround in 2026.

(Ramsay Health Care shares hit an 18-month high of $44.73 in March. The ASX 200 healthcare share is up 21% over six months.)

Cochlear also discussed shipping issues and capped insurance payouts last week.

Cochlear said it expects “order cancellations and a heightened risk of delivery delays to some countries” due to instability in the Middle East, and that lower reimbursements to patients in China “will lower premium tier sales in China in the second half”.

FDA uncertainty under Trump

Biotech investors are also growing wary of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Trump administration.

Leadership upheaval at the FDA, along with conflicting signals on approval standards across different categories of foods and medicines, has created uncertainty over how, and whether, new drugs and products will reach the market.

Earlier this month, a rare diseases advocacy group wrote to President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing reduced flexibility at the FDA and a large proportion of biotech firms reporting difficulty raising funding.

Meanwhile, Secretary Kennedy has openly promoted vaccine scepticism and disputed scientific claims amid a global trend in fewer people seeking vaccinations, possibly as a reaction to mandatory programs and COVID-vaccine injuries during the pandemic.

At CSL’s 2025 AGM, former CSL CEO Dr Paul McKenzie commented: “… we have seen a greater decline in influenza vaccination rates in the U.S. than we expected.”

Last week, The Australian reported that the US military has now scrapped its annual flu shot requirement for service members.

Foolish Takeaway

All of these factors are hitting the healthcare sector hard, and sending many ASX 200 healthcare shares to multi-year low prices.

Here’s how the top 10 ASX 200 healthcare shares by market capitalisation have performed over the past 12 months.

ASX 200 healthcare share	12-month share price movement
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL)	-50%
Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG)	-8%
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd (ASX: FPH)	-6%
ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)	-19%
Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME)	-41%
Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL)	-24%
Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC)	+18%
Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH)	-66%
Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)	-45%
Ansell Ltd (ASX: ANN)	-13%

The post What’s making healthcare the worst sector on the ASX 200, down 39% in a year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• CSL, Resmed, Cochlear shares crash to multi-year low: Buy, sell or hold?
• 3 amazing ASX 200 shares to buy with $5,000 in May
• 3 ASX dividend shares to build a passive income
• These beaten down ASX 200 tech stocks could rise 55% to 60%
• Down 65%, are Cochlear shares a once-in-a-decade buying opportunity?

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL, Cochlear, ResMed, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Ansell, CSL, Cochlear, Pro Medicus, Sonic Healthcare, and Telix Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some of the most powerful trends in the market are not always visible.

Behind the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and online platforms is a layer of infrastructure that keeps everything running.

Companies operating in this space often benefit from steady demand as digital activity increases.

Here are three ASX shares linked to that trend.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

NextDC operates data centres that support cloud computing and enterprise IT systems.

As businesses shift more of their operations online, the need for secure and scalable data storage continues to grow. Data centres form the backbone of this transition, housing the servers that power digital services.

NextDC develops and operates facilities in major Australian cities and across South East Asia, with capacity expanding over time as demand increases.

Its customers include cloud providers and large enterprises, creating long-term relationships and recurring revenue streams.

With data usage continuing to rise, NextDC is closely tied to the growth of digital infrastructure. You only need to look at its recent update to see that this is the case.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

Goodman Group is another ASX share that is benefiting from the rise of digital infrastructure.

While best known for logistics properties, the company has been increasing its exposure to data centre developments. These projects require significant capital but can deliver long-term returns once operational.

At the same time, Goodman’s core logistics assets continue to benefit from ecommerce and supply chain optimisation.

This combination of physical infrastructure and digital demand creates a unique positioning. The company is involved in both the movement of goods and the storage of data.

As these trends continue to evolve, Goodman remains connected to multiple drivers of growth.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1)

Megaport provides the connectivity that links businesses to cloud providers and data centres.

Its platform allows customers to establish network connections on demand, offering flexibility compared to traditional infrastructure.

As more organisations adopt cloud services, the need for efficient connectivity becomes more important. Megaport’s model enables businesses to scale their usage as required.

The company has also expanded its opportunity set through its acquisition of Latitude.sh, which adds a compute layer to its offering and broadens its addressable market.

With cloud adoption continuing to build globally, this ASX share is positioned to benefit from increasing demand for both connectivity and infrastructure services.

The post 3 ASX shares benefiting from the rise of digital infrastructure appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Does Ord Minnett rate Goodman shares as a buy, hold, or sell?
• These 2 ASX All Ords shares are flying higher today, and tipped to jump another 70%
• This beaten-down ASX 200 growth stock could be one to watch
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• What I’d do with $15,000 in ASX 200 shares right now

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Goodman Group, Megaport, and Nextdc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and Megaport. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is under sustained pressure again on Thursday, with the market unable to break a run of persistent selling.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down 0.35% to 8,656 points.

That extends the current slide to 8 straight sessions, marking one of the longest losing streaks in years.

The market just keeps edging lower, and there is not much buying coming through to push it back up.

After more than a week of declines, attention is turning to where support might start to come through.

Here’s what is sitting behind the latest weakness.

Oil surge adds pressure to the market

A key driver right now is the rapid move in oil prices.

Brent crude has pushed above US$120 a barrel, hitting multi-year highs as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate.

Reports suggest the United States is weighing further military options, while disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continues to tighten supply.

And this is feeding directly into inflation concerns.

Higher energy prices tend to flow through quickly into transport, manufacturing, and household costs. That makes things more difficult for central banks, particularly at a time when interest rates are already starting to climb.

Which is evidently showing up on the ASX, where buyers have been holding back instead of stepping in on the dips.

Local weakness building across key sectors

Looking at how the market is tracking beneath the surface, the weakness is starting to show up across most sectors.

Resource stocks are under pressure, with major miners BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) down 1.98% to $53.86 and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) also drifting 1.98% lower to $167.42.

Consumer-facing names have also been hit, with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) sinking 7.54% to $34.48 and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) falling 3.97% to $22.03, following recent updates that flagged margin pressure.

The S&P/ASX 200 Healthcare Index (ASX: XHJ) is another drag, down around 3.17%, while parts of the S&P/ASX 200 Financials Index (ASX: XFJ) are holding up slightly better, up about 0.51%.

Foolish Takeaway

It is hard to ignore 8 straight losses, even if none of the daily moves has been that large.

To me, this feels like the market just cannot find a reason to bounce right now.

Oil prices are still pushing higher, and that is keeping pressure on sentiment.

I am not in a rush to step in here. But until buyers start showing up again, I believe this could keep drifting lower.

The post ASX 200 sinks into longest losing streak in years as oil prices surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are a popular option for investors aiming for copper exposure.

But another smart way to do it could be with ASX copper miner Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS).

In fact, the team at Bell Potter believes investors could double their money with an investment in this ASX share.

By contrast, Rio Tinto shares are largely seen as fully valued following a strong run over the past 12 months.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter highlights that Aeris Resources released its third-quarter update and underperformed expectations with its production and costs. It said:

AIS released its March 2026 quarterly report. Tritton produced 5.3kt copper at All-InSustaining-Costs (AISC) of A$4.53/lb (BPe 6.3kt Cu at A$4.13/lb), Cracow produced 10.1koz gold at AISC of A$3,442/oz (BPe 11.2koz at A$3,490/oz. AIS reported this as copper equivalent (Cueq) of 10.4kt (vs quarterly guidance 10.0–12.2kt Cueq). This was below our forecasts, which had made allowance for a faster production ramp-up from the Murrawombie open-pit.

Mined grades were also lower than plan. Costs were higher on increased rail costs and waste stripping. Cracow tracked slightly below our production forecast due to lower grades. Cracow remains on track for the mid-range of production guidance, with higher costs. Diesel price impacts were minimal in the March quarter but are expected to have an impact in the June quarter.

However, the broker’s focus is less on the ASX copper stock’s performance in the third quarter and more on what is on the horizon. It explains:

While production was below our forecasts, this was a fair quarter with cash generation the highlight. AIS’ market capitalisation is now ~30% backed by cash. AIS is guiding the low end of production guidance to be met, implying a material lift in copper production at Tritton.

This aligns with our outlook for the first full quarter of production from Murrawombie, which should boost operating cash flow. Importantly, early works at Constellation are set to commence in the current quarter. Production start-up here by end CY26 will be a major positive catalyst for AIS’ copper production growth.

Should you invest?

According to the note, Bell Potter has retained its buy rating and 90 cents price target on the ASX copper miner’s shares.

Based on its current share price of 38 cents, this implies potential upside of 135% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, the broker said:

AIS is a copper-dominant producer, with its near-term outlook highly leveraged to the copper price and increasing production at Tritton. Tritton is a strategic regional asset and potential corporate target, in our view. With upside to our Target Price supported by growing free cash flow and low valuation multiples it remains a key pick for CY26. Our Target Price of $0.90/sh is unchanged and we maintain our Buy recommendation.

The post Forget Rio Tinto shares and buy this ASX copper miner appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• If I’d put $6K in this ASX mining stock 12 months ago I’d have over $20k now
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• Forget Rio Tinto and buy this ASX copper share
• Rio Tinto shares soar to an all-time high: Buy, hold or sell?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares are climbing higher in lunchtime trading on Thursday.

At the time of writing, the telco stock is up 0.86% to $5.30 a piece.

Today’s uptick means the shares are now 9% higher for the year-to-date and 17% higher than 12 months ago. The stock peaked at a 10-year high of $5.44 earlier this month.

Now many are questioning whether the shares have reached a ceiling, or whether there could be more price hikes this year.

Here’s what the experts think.

Is there an upside ahead for Telstra shares?

Market Index data shows brokers still rate the telco’s shares as a buy, and they tip an upside of 0.6% to an average $5.30 12-month target price, at the time of writing.

TradingView data shows analysts are a little more divided over the stock. Out of 15 ratings, only four have a strong buy stance and another 11 have a hold rating on the shares. But they have an average target price of $5.26, which implies a minor 0.7% downside over the next 12 months.

Either way, it doesn’t look like we’ll continue to see the same level of gains Telstra shares have enjoyed recently.

But upsides and potential target prices aren’t the only reason that investors should look into holding Telstra shares.

Telstra shares are a classic passive income play

Telstra is Australia’s largest telecommunications company, owning and operating the nation’s biggest mobile network (covering  around 99.7% of the population) and acting as a major fixed-line internet provider. The company also owns and operates the country’s  largest 4G and 5G network.

It’s this market dominance which makes Telstra shares a fantastic opportunity for passive income.

After all, internet access and mobile phone connectivity aren’t considered just a perk anymore, they’re necessary for everyday life. 

This means the company can perform well, regardless of what the rest of the market is doing.

And we can see this from the company’s latest financial results.

Telstra posted a strong half-year FY26 result in February which showed that its profit and earnings have increased, with gains seen across every financial metric and division.

Telstra’s defensive nature also means it can pay its shareholders a consistent and reliable passive income. 

The telco historically paid out two dividends per year, in March and September. In March, investors were paid an interim dividend of 10.5 cents, 90.48% franked. That’s a 10.5% increase from the previous payment.

The telco is forecast to pay a total 21 cent dividend for FY26, which translates to a dividend yield of 3.9% excluding franking credits, at the time of writing. 

For FY25, the company paid investors an annual dividend of 19 cents per share. 

So, should I sell my Telstra shares in May?

It looks like the Telstra share price could well hover around the same level in May and beyond. The telco’s passive income is also a reasonable reason to buy into the stock. 

As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t any compelling reason to sell up. I’d hold tight for now.

The post Should I sell my Telstra shares in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Are Telstra shares a good deal at $5.32?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Whether you’re buying ASX shares or paying off a mortgage, next Tuesday’s Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rate meeting will be one to watch.

As you’re likely aware, the RBA has already boosted the official cash rate twice in 2026 in an effort to rein in resurgent inflation.

This sees interest rates back at 4.10% today. That’s just one modest hike away from the 4.35% highs ASX investors endured through most of 2024 after inflation surged in Australia’s post-pandemic, stimulus-fuelled economy.

Inflation was already ticking higher before the commencement of the Iran war at the end of February, which sent global energy prices through the roof.

Indeed, as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported yesterday, automotive fuel prices surged by a blistering 32.8% in March.

And while headline inflation of 4.6% for the 12 months to March was below consensus economist forecasts of 4.8%, it’s still the highest level since September 2023.

This has seen a marked shift in investor expectations, with market expectations now at 76% for a 0.25% interest rate increase next week, according to the ASX’s RBA Rate Indicator.

But what are the experts saying?

Experts weigh in on Australia’s interest rate outlook

Josh Gilbert, lead analyst APAC at eToro, said that Wednesday’s inflation print was “unlikely to move the needle for the RBA, with a third hike next week still the base scenario”.

As for underlying inflation, which is the RBA’s preferred gauge when it comes to interest rate decisions, Gilbert noted:

Quarterly trimmed mean inflation, which strips out the most volatile price movements like the current fuel surge, rose 3.5% annually, and it remains stubbornly above the top of the RBA’s 2-3% target band. This shows that the inflation problem remains a concern in its own right, well before the fuel crisis added to the mix, which is something the RBA can’t ignore.

Anthony Malouf, economist at Ebury, also expects ASX investors will have to deal with another interest rate hike next Tuesday.

“Despite the softer-than-expected headline print, we maintain our call for the RBA to raise rates 25bps to 4.35% at next week’s meeting,” he said.

Malouf added:

The necessity for a hike next week is clearly underpinned by the interplay between elevated inflation and a persistently resilient labour market. With trimmed mean holding at 3.3% and domestic price pressures remaining elevated, we believe the RBA has little choice but to act.

However, CreditorWatch chief economist Ivan Colhoun believes the market is overestimating the odds that the RBA will hike interest rates next week.

According to Colhoun:

The market remains substantially priced for a move next week, though I assess there to be a lesser risk than priced given the substantial impacts on confidence and auction clearance rates and the unknown duration of the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Mark Wang, CEO at Colter Bay, also thinks ASX investors and mortgage holders may see the RBA hold tight next week.

Commenting on yesterday’s 4.6% inflation print, Wang said:

The immediate reaction is to assume this locks in another RBA hike, but that’s not a given. Australia is heavily exposed to housing, and higher rates flow straight into mortgage repayments rather than productive investment, which changes how the tightening cycle feeds through the economy.

The post Buying ASX shares? Here’s what to expect from Tuesday’s RBA interest rate meeting appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Down 65%: Is this ASX 300 stock a cheap buy?
• 2 ASX shares tipped to grow 90% or more in the next 12 months!
• Good news, falling shares: What’s dragging this ASX stock lower?
• 5 ASX All Ords shares downgraded by brokers this week

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.